Post on 06-Jul-2020
The members meeting on the
10th June was an informal
meeting devoted entirely to a
presentation by the Environ-
mental Protection Agency
(EPA) on the subject of Grey-
water and Blackwater for pri-
vate houseboats.
Approximately 50 members
and non-members attended
the meeting. Paul De Ionno
and Jarrod Spencer from the
Murraylands Water Quality
Branch EPA gave the presen-
tation.
The presentation commenced
with Paul De Ionno explain-
ing that their team consists of
twelve (12) people and that
greywater/blackwater is just
one of the issues they deal
with. He thanked the audience
of m embers and non-
members for taking an inter-
est in the new regulations
which are designed to pre-
serve the water quality for
future generations.
Paul gave a brief history start-
ing from the first public meet-
ing in 2004 up to the gazetting
of the regulations in 2008 to
the start of the requirements
for private boat owners in
2011.
As an introdu ction, it was
pointed out that South Aus-
tralia has about 75,000 vessels
of which approxim ately
25,000 are unregistered. The
majority of those vessels are
in the ocean. There are 300
public vessel facilities, twenty
(20) marinas, thirty (30) yacht
clubs, approximately 800
commercial fishing vessels
and 95 vessel constru ction
facilities. The 4,500 commer-
cial vessels are required to be
slipped every two (2) years for
survey, while most private
vessel are not required to be
surveyed.
The presentation provided
examples of the range of wa-
ter that constitutes greywater
from shower water, clothes
washing and from the kitchen
sink including juices from
uncooked meat, etc.
It was pointed out that the
greatest risk occu rs when dis-
charges occur in areas of low
flow such as off-river marinas
and back waters.
The presentation illustrated
that the potential pathogens
in greywater can be within the
range of pathogens that could
be expected in the lower end
of raw sewage and that be-
cause of the potential nutri-
ents in greywater, the concen-
tration of potential pathogens
in greywater can increase sub-
stantially if left untreated.
The Department of Health
considers greywater to be a
high potential risk to public
health.
A comparison was made be-
tween land-based greywater
systems and greywater on
vessels. On land based sys-
tems, the water from the
kitchen sink is channeled in
the sewage system, rather than
being classified as grey water.
It was pointed out that grey-
water can stimulate blue-green
algal bloom by providing nu-
trients su ch as Phosphorous
and Nitrogen. These blooms
can be toxic and may also
cause oxygen depletion in the
area, affecting the local envi-
ronment.
The biggest risk to health and
the environment is the local
risk know as the “sphere of
influence” which is the area
around a boat or group of
boats where the concentration
of greywater and its potential
pathogens will be the highest.
The EPA has decid ed to clas-
sify vessels into the three clas-
sifications; two low and one
high risk categories. No mat-
ter what category a vessel is
defined as, there will also need
to be a behavioral changes
made.
The high risk category in-
cludes all commercial vessels,
all permanent live-aboards
and those vessels with dish-
washers, washing machines or
spas. This also includes ves-
sels with multiple bathrooms,
en-suites or showers. These
vessels will need to contain or
treat all greywater produced
on-board.
There are two low risk catego-
ries. The first low risk cate-
gory is small vessel that do
not have the space or stru c-
tural capability to contain or
fully treat blackwater. The
second category of low risk
(Continued on page 6)
Members Meeting with EPA
11th July 2010
Volume 28, Issue 3
From the Pen of the President 2
From The President’s Pen 2
Meet your Committee Mem-ber—Chris Veenstra
2
I’m a Sloppy Painter 3
Clayton Bay Mini-Amble 3
Vessel Over 15 metres? - You Need a Life Raft!
4
RMBOA Environmental Plan 4
Mounting New Deck Planks 5
Hearty Beef Stew 5
Members Meeting Minutes 6
Committee Contact Info 7
Committee Meeting 8
Our Mighty Murray 8
For Sale/Ads/Items of 9
Upcoming Events 10
Inside this issue:
The
The Official Magazine of the River Murray Boat Owners Association
Rambler
“The Department of
Health considers greywater to be a high
potential risk to public
health.”
The Spring Edition of
the Rambler is due be pub-
lished in October 2010 .
Email electronic contribu-
tions & advertisements to
the webmaster by the last
week in September.
Welcome all members to the winter edition of the Rambler.
In my last column I wrote that many of us feel that this is the best time of the year on the River, but, has-n’t it been cold lately?
It has been a long time since I can remember it being this cold (Statistics suggest 1982!). However, the calm waters, solitude
and sitting around camp-fires more than compen-sate for the current cold snap!
In the last Rambler, grey-water was the burning issue and to some extent it stil l is. Our very successful Member’s meeting (over 50 members attending) on the 10th June included two
presentations from the EPA. Paul De Ionno spoke about the new greywater regulations and the hazards associated with greywater,
he also answered many questions from the floor.
Jarrod Spencer spoke about black water audits and some of the horror stories they uncover. Jar-rod’s presentation was a real eye opener as we dis-
covered a small minority of boat owners seemed to disregard the black water regulations.
Some vessels had hidden quick release sluice valves to empty their “poo” into the river. It was absolutely incredible that these prac-tices can still be found as the regulations have been
in place since the 1970s.
We are continuing to work with EPA on the issue of greywater, our own EPA
approved code of practice will be available (to finan-cial members) at the next Member’s meeting at the Tower Hotel on the 5th
August.
Social issues are never far
from our minds, the com-mittee is in the early stages of planning Ramble 2011.
This is likely to be con-
ducted in two consecutive legs, above and below lock 1 to satisfy both upstream and downstream members.
We are living in hope that the improved flow and river levels will continue to April/May 2011 so it will be possible for any mem-bers who wish to do so can complete both legs, includ-
ing passage from Blanche-town to Swan Reach.
Ramble 2011 is also on the agenda for the mem-
bers meeting in August, so come and have your say! I expect a record attendance!
See you on the River,
Rob
From the President’s Pen
P age 2 T h e Ra mb le r
V ol ume 2 8 , I ss ue 3
President Rob Potter
Meet Your Committee Member—Chris Veenstra
I grew up on a pad-dlesteamer in Goolwa called the "Captain Sturt" and come from a riverboat family.
My family (and others) built and operated the "Murray River Queen" the "Murray Explorer" and the
"Murray Princess" as well as a number of day cruise boats and a ferry service to
Kangaroo Island.
Anna and I also managed
one of our vessels cruising out of Brisbane during Expo 88.
In 1989 our family sold our
interest in the accommo-dated cruise industry and I became involved in local government tourism. I worked at Mount Barker, Mildura and finally Alexan-
drina Councils.
I have been involved in the
Wooden Boat Festival and stil l maintain my interest in the river through the RMBOA , the RCBC and the Murray Skippers Asso-ciation.
Anna and I live on Hind-marsh Island and have (and stil l do) owned a range of water craft
I’m a Sloppy Painter by Mark Little
Clayton Bay Boat Club Mini-Amble by Michael Heuzenroeder
Yes, I have to admit it.
After I have finished painting,
paint has run from the brush
onto my hand; I have brushed
my arm against an area of wet
paint; and when I pick up the
paint can, I invariably brush
my leg on the dribbles down
the can I’m carrying.
Up until now, removing this
paint has been a matter of
scrubbing it off my skin or
using a harsh solvent that has
stripped every ounce of mois-
ture from my skin.
But, happily, I can say that I
will never need to scrub my
skin or use harsh solvents
again for my painting mis-
haps.
It all changed when I discov-
ered PolyWipes at Bunnings!
PolyWipes contain no sol-
vents or abrasives. PolyWipes
have a health rating of 0 (the
lowest risk level) and are non-
flammable!
The wipe has a citrus smell,
but does not contain any cit-
rus products according the
product sheet. The material is
also biodegradable.
The wipes safely remove un-
cu red or partly-cu red adhe-
sives and sealants by breaking
the surface tension between
the material and the substrate.
Not only is it easy to remove
the paint and sealants, but the
material is transferred on the
wipe. The paint goes with the
wipe into the rubbish and is
not carried into the river
when you wash your hands.
As well as being a conven-
ience produ ct, it is environ-
mentally friendly as well!
I don’t have shares in Poly-
Wipes, so a plug for this prod-
uct doesn’t earn me anything.
glass or two. There was a
slightly formal moment when
Roly and Denise Bartlett were
awarded a plaque for their
long standing service to the
association by President, Rob
Potter.
After the formalities and con-
sumption of nibbles prepara-
tion was made to attend the
informal barbeque at the
CBBC. This turned out to be
a wonderful evening with
good food and drink, many
RMBOA’ers stayed on until
the wee hours.
Despite earlier poor weather
forecasts Sunday dawned an-
other beautiful day. Around
midday we made our way
again to the CBBC to take
advantage of the wonderful
Sunday barbeque put on by
the Club. The fare was the
most tender and well cooked
porterhouse, a country sau-
sage and the choice of a myr-
iad of salads.
After lunch a couple of short
speeches by Andrea Botha,
commodore of CBBC and
President Rob Potter resulted
in much praise and the prom-
ise to return.
I think of the 40+ RMBOA
members who attended the
Amble and barbequ e would
all agree with me that the hos-
pitality of the CBBC was first
class, excellent food friendly
atmosphere and very reasona-
bly priced bar. I can’t wait to
return.
We arrived in beautiful Clay-
ton on Frid ay afternoon, a
number of members were
already enjoying the nice
weather, around 4pm we had
an impromptu get together in
the caravan park and a few
glasses of cheer were shared.
Later in the evening a num-
ber of members ventured to
the Clayton Bay Boat Club to
support the bar and partake of
the Tacos on offer. Both the
President and Vice president’s
parties were conspicuous by
there absence having retired
early on the Friday night, no
doubt as a result on the oner-
ous burden of high office.
Saturday dawned with beauti-
ful weather and more mem-
bers staying in the caravan
park, five boats attending the
club were evid ent at the wharf
near the regulator, Pisces II,
Aleda II, Progress, Pompoota
and The Mary Langsford.
Similarly to Friday a circle of
RMBOA members assembled
in the caravan park to share a
P age 3 T h e Ra mb le r
V ol ume 2 8 , I ss ue 3
“As well as being a
convenience product,
it is environmentally
friendly as well!”
P age 4 The Ra mbler
V ol ume 2 8 , I ss ue 3
• To meet all relevant envi-
ronmental legislation and
minimise pollution.
• To annually review all
envir onmental aspects
including legislative re-
quirements of the organi-
sation .
The Association previously
aimed for most of these ob-
jectives, but in the spirit of
ISO 14001, it has formalised
an environmental policy and
publically advertised it.
To this end, the environ-
mental policy is now available
on the RMBOA’s website.
This policy does not mean
that we have to be perfect,
The RMBOA now has an
official Environmental Policy
as part of its long term move
towards complying with the
spirit of ISO 14001. The
following objectives have
been set:
• To minimise the envi-
ronmental impact of all
RMBOA river functions.
• To assist our members
in formulating their own
environmental manage-
ment policies.
• To positively influence
suppliers in terms of our
environmental manage-
ment policy.
but it does mean that we have
to continually work towards
improvement and always strive
to meet these objectives.
At each stage in the evolution
of the Association’s environ-
mental standards, these goals
will help ensure negative envi-
ronmental impacts are As Low
As Reasonably Practical (ALARP).
Coupled with the ALARP
perspective on negative im-
pacts, this policy will hopefully
ensure that the Association has
an increasingly positive impact
on the river environment.
RMBOA Environmental Policy
“This policy does not
mean that we have to
be perfect, but it does
mean that we have to
continually work
towards improvement”
http://www.rmboa.org.au/environment/index.html
Vessel Over 15 Metres? - You Need a Life Raft! By Mark Litt le
After a qu estion about life
rafts for vessels in protected
waters, I received the follow-
ing email from the Recrea-
tional Boating Unit.
“The requirement for recrea-
tional vessels more than 15
metres to carry a life raft has
actually been part of the
Regulations for many years,
dating back at least to the
early 1990s, however the re-
quirement is under review at
present.
With regard to Commer-
cial Hire and Drive House-
boats not being required to
carry a life raft, these vessels
are subject to stringent stan-
dards in terms of constru c-
tion, stability and fire protec-
tion that recreational vessels
are not, and as commercial
vessels are also subject
to regular survey to ensure
that the vessel is seaworthy
and that all legislated require-
ments are being met.
Additionally, Hire and Drive
Houseboats are permitted
only to operate upstream of
the Wellington Ferry and are
restricted to 12 passengers
when underway, whereas rec-
reationally registered house-
boats can carry double that
number or more (depending
on the size of the vessel) and
may, when there is sufficient
water, operate in the Lower
Lakes and other waters where
a life raft may be required.
While a life raft remains a
requ irem ent for vessels
greater than 15 metres in
length an inflatable raft, un-
powered dinghy or other ten-
der vessel may be deemed by
the vessel owner as suitable
and appropriate to use as a
life raft. There is no specific
definition of "life raft" in the
Regulations, while other ma-
rine handbooks suggest that
for smooth (protected) waters
a dinghy that can carry the
number of people on board
may be all that is needed.
Thanks again for your email;
such queries assist in identify-
ing potential areas for review.
If you need any more infor-
mation, please contact the
Recreational Boating Unit at
DTEI.Recboating@sa.gov.au
or by telephoning (08) 8343
2898 or 8343 2774.”
I can’t say that I follow the
rationale of this response, as
there seems to be no practical
need for life rafts in the river.
The response is also a bit odd
because it states we need a life
raft because we can travel in
semi-protected and open wa-
ters. This seems to defy the
rationale of having different
areas with graded safety re-
quirements.
However, personally, it means
that I’m not going to buy a
life raft and that I will just
“deem” that my dinghy is my
life raft if ever asked.
“There is no specific
definition of "life raft"
in the Regulations”
DISCLAIMER:
The views expressed in this
article are per sonal views of
the author, and do not nec-
essarily reflect the views of
the RMBOA management
committee.
Hearty Beef Stew
Beef Stock : 2 cups Red Wine : 1/2 cup Worcestershire Sauce : 2 tbsp Sea Salt & Pepper: add 1 p i n c h t o taste (Masterfoods)
Preparation Pre-heat oven to 170°C. Heat oil in a large sauce-pan. Add onion, garlic, rosemary and steak and brown.
Recipe Ingredients Olive Oil : 2 tbsp Onion: 1 chopped Garlic: 2 tsp Freshly Crushed (Masterfoods) Rosemary Leaves: 1 tbsp (Masterfoods) Chuck Steak: 750 gm Sweet Potato: 500 gm peeled and sliced Zucchinis: 2 thickly sliced
Stir in remaining ingredi-ents then transfer to an oven-proof casserole dish. Place in oven and cook for 1 1/2 hours or until meat is tender. Serve with mashed potato. P.S. If you haven’t guessed already, this rec-ipe came from the Mas-
terfoods website.
P age 5 The Ra mbler
V ol ume 2 8 , I ss ue 3
Modified Deck Plank Mounting
1 of 1
1BRIGADOON-002
C-Section Under Deck
Deck Planks
Wooden Block
Mounting Bolts
Decking Screws
Mounting New Deck Planks on an Old Houseboat by Mark Little The easiest way to attach
deck planks to a pontoon
houseboat is to screw them
directly into the metal C-
section bearers that run across
the houseboat using self-
drilling screws.
As boats age, the weakness in
this method becomes appar-
ent. Firstly, the screws have to
be very close to the end of the
plank and the plank ends are
only supported by half the
width of the C-Section top.
This means that the planks
ends are subject to a lot of
stress when the plank is
loaded down. This increases
the tendency for the plank
tends to slit at the end.
The other problem is that
corrosion tends to make it
difficult, if not impossible, to
get the decking screw out of
the metal C-section. As the
old deck screws are harder
than the C-Section, it is diffi-
cult to remove old screws and
then use new screws to fix
planks into the C-Section.
A way to mitigate these prob-
lems is to bolt a wooden block
to side of the C-Section
bearer—see the figure to the
right for d etails. In this case,
the wooden block is twice the
width of the C-Section.
Instead of the join in the
planks being in the middle of
the upper part of the C-
Section, it is now in the mid-
dle of the combined size of
the C-Section and the wooden
block. This means that the
decking screws go into wood,
making it easier to get them
out later.
The wider area provides more
support around the plank ends
means the screws can be fur-
ther from the plank end, mak-
ing it less likely that the end of
the planks will split, increasing
their effective life.
If the screws cannot be re-
move easily when the planks
eventually needs to be re-
placed again, the block of
wood can simply be unbolted
and replaced with a new one.
Even if the bolts can’t be
undone, they cut be cut off
with an angle grind er without
d am aging the C-Section
bearer.
P age 6 The Ra mbler
V ol ume 2 8 , I ss ue 3
Members Meeting with EPA (continued)
vessel is on that has the space
and is stru cturally able to con-
tain or treat the greywater.
Vessels in the first low cate-
gory will be required to have
strainer and filters on their
sinks, basins and showers and
where possible a grease trap
on the galley (kitchen) sink.
Vessels in the second low risk
category will be required to
have strainers and filters on all
sinks, basins and showers.
The galley sink, however, will
need to be contained if it is
not fully treated. This contain-
ment can be a new holding
tank, or diverted into an exist-
ing black water tank.
The EPA presenters stressed
that they are very approach-
able and that they are aware
that the slips are heavily
booked out and that this may
cause delays in having modifi-
cations carried out. They also
indicated that the changes that
will be required may not be as
major as has been portrayed
in some areas.
The EPA said that in the ini-
tial meetings it was proposed
that no greywater emissions
would be permitted, but after
six (6) years of consultation
this is approach that will be
taken.
They did, however, stress
quite firmly and repeatedly
that these modifications must
be accompanied with signifi-
cant behavioral changes to
redu ce the impact of the grey-
water produced on private
vessels as the EPA’s primary
objective is to preserve the
quality of the river for future
generations.
Paul De Ionno suggested that
if there are issues with modifi-
(Continued from page 1) cations that may not be practi-
cal for a particular vessel,
members should talk with the
Committee about options
such as grease traps and filters
that are available from plumb-
ing stores.
The EPA cannot be seen to
recommend products as it
would cause issues with the
manufacturers and suppliers
whose products were not
explicitly recommended, but
which may be suitable.
Part of the required behav-
ioral changes to reduce chemi-
cal and nutrient loads is to
select biodegradable produ cts
with minimal Phosphorous
and Nitrogen content. The
Lanfax website was suggested
as a good starting point for
selecting cleaning produ cts.
There was discussion about
the need to provide upgraded
pump-out facilities to allow
adequate flushing of grey-
water containment systems.
Paul provided a d escription of
the Newtreat and the Aero-
float systems. Although these
systems are not expected to
apply to many members with
smaller, private vessels. It was
stated that it was expected
that about 80 greywater units
would be installed by the end
of 2010. New South Wales
has recently changed its regu-
lations in relation to greywater
and there has been interna-
tional interest in these sys-
tems.
Jarrod gave a presentation
about the black water audits
being condu cted. It was re-
quested that if members see
that suspicion activity the
EPA should be notified as
they cannot be on the river 24
hours a day.
Unattended audits can be
condu cted under section 87 of
the act. Inspections are only
external inspections and in-
spectors knock before under-
taking an unattended inspec-
tion. Because it is difficult to
inspect unattended cruisers,
the usual practice is to leave a
note requ esting information
about the black water system
Although not common these
days instances of a dump
valve to allow black water
straight into the river have
been found. Other faults have
been leaking tanks and inade-
quate fixings (cable ties in-
stead of proper fittings).
More common faults include
pump-out connection points
that are below the height of
the lowest toilet. It was
pointed out that these meas-
urements are not done to the
nth degree as they do not have
access to inside to measure
the bowl heights and so a
reasonable leeway is given.
No deflector plates or inade-
quate deflector plates are also
another common breach.
Although it is technically a
breach for the holding tank to
be in water, a concession is
possible if it is unavoidable as
long as it is in good condition
and has adequate protection.
All blackwater pipe work
must be rigid and fixed, other-
wise a non-compliance notifi-
cation will be raised.
Audits conducted on the river
are both random and targeted
as a result of complaints.
Since 2007, 353 private ves-
sels have been audited. At the
time of the presentation, 199
of those vessels were compli-
ant. Three (3) vessels were
found to have no blackwater
system at all. Seven (7) vessels
were found to have quick
release mechanism to allow
black water discharge into the
river. Quick action was taken
in relation to these non-
compliances. At present, it
has not been necessary to
prosecute or fine owners, but
this is always an option.
The range of options open to
the EPA to get correction
actions were presented to the
meeting. The most common
appeared to be an Environ-
mental Protection Ord er
(EPO).
There was discussion about
“unusual” houseboats with
particular concern about ves-
sels built using plastic chemi-
cal drums, both from the lack
of strength and longevity of
the drums and the chemical
residues in the drums.
The difficulties in taking ac-
tion against vessels without
obvious defects and causing
pollution at the time of in-
spection was discussed. Illegal
d evelopm ents on shore
(toilets, etc) were also cov-
ered.
Rob Potter indicated the
RMBOA has produced some
greywater standard operating
procedures and made modifi-
cations based on a review by
the EPA. These procedures
will be made available on the
website.
It was asked whether addi-
tional pump-outs would be
required. Paul indicated that
studies shown that the exist-
ing public and private pump-
out facilities would be capable
of carrying the increased load.
A question was raised about
whether the testing of the
greywater d evices done shows
that they are suitable for the
use expected on a private
vessel. It was indicated that
the manufactures would need
P age 7 The Ra mbler
V ol ume 2 8 , I ss ue 3
2009—2010 Committee Contact Information
President: Rob Potter Home: 08 8332 5675
Work: 08 8431 1334
Mobile: 0408 089 753
Email: president@rmboa.org.au
Vice-President: Michael Heuzenroeder Home: 08 8269 1530
Work: 08 8222 3275
Mobile: 0417 870 955
Email: vice_president@rmboa.org.au
Secretary: Tim Potter Mobile:
Email: secretary@rmboa.org.au
Treasurer: Alexa Little Home: 08 8250 3753
Email: treasurer@rmboa.org.au
Webmaster: Mark Little Home: 08 8250 3753
Mobile: 0434 602 091
Email: webmaster@rmboa.org.au
General Com-
mittee:
Sue Holland Home: 08 8269 1530
Mobile: 0407 399 520
Email: committee_one@rmboa.org.au
Alec Stevens Home: 08 8383 6106
Mobile: 0422 333 895
Email: committee_two@rmboa.org.au
Chris Veenstra Home: 08 8555 3538
Mobile: 0407 880 288
Email: committee_three@rmboa.org.au
Rob Potter Michael Heuzenroeder
Alexa Little
Chris Veenstra
Sue Holland
Alec Stevens
Mark Little Tim Potter
to be consulted, but that they
may not be practical for this
application and this is why
the high risk/low classifica-
tions are being implemented.
A question was raised about
ocean-capable vessels which
are permitted to dump black
water at sea using inland wa-
ters. It was stated that this
capability would need to be
adequately sealed off if in
inland waters.
A question was raised about
(Continued from page 6) the time scale for the imple-
mentation of the new regime.
The EPA indicated that they
are flexible as they are aware
of the constraints in getting
work done.
A question was asked about
trailer sailers. The response
was that very minimal modifi-
cations would be required
such as strainers and filters.
There was general discussion
about the distribution of
pump-outs and the disposal
of black water from porta-
potties used on small vessels.
A question was asked about
larger boats with small crews
and the equity of the classifi-
cations when there are larger
vessels with small crews that
would not have a higher load
than a smaller vessel.
The EPA indicated that ex-
cept for commercial vessels,
permanent live-aboards and
vessels with washing ma-
chines, dish washers and spa,
each vessel could be consid-
ered on a case by case basis.
It was indicated that if there
was decision that could not
be arrived at by mutual agree-
ment, there is an appeal proc-
ess that can be utilised.
In response to a question
about suitable produ cts, the
EPA reiterated that they
could not recommend prod-
ucts, but may be in a position
to comment whether a prod-
uct being considered is suit-
able for the intended use.
The meeting thanked Paul
and Jarrod for their presenta-
tion.
Members Meeting with EPA (continued)
P age 8
Summary of the Committee Meetings
Our Mighty Murray is a lifeline for some
Or the ultimate escape for others to have fun
Kick back and watch the Pelicans soar in the sky
Or gaze in awe as the Paddle Steamers meander by
Slowly amble along in a boat or toss in your rod
You never know you might land a giant
Murray Cod
Camp on the rivers edge and soak up the glory
Sit round the campfire at night and tell a good story
The ever-changing facets of the towering cliffs
Reflect in the water like shimmering megaliths
The sunsets and sunrises are one of nature’s delights
The sun on the water sparkles and shines like fairy lights
The Murray is for us all to have fun and for us all to share
Conserve our beautiful Murray and show some thought and care
Treat our Murray with the most ultimate respect
And it will always provid e us with all that we could ever expect
— Sue Holland
V ol ume 2 8 , I ss ue 3 The Ra mbler
Our Mighty Murray
Photograph by Mark Little
Send photos for inclusion in “Our Mighty
Murray” to the webmaster@rmboa.org.au
boats will be classified as low risk.
There was discussion con-cerning evidence of compli-ance with our SOPs to the EPA. It was suggested that members who chose to use the SOPs, should have their details sent to the EPA say-ing that they follow the RMBOA greywater SOP.
Should the RMBOA share our SOP with other clubs and associations? It was agreed that this should be at pepper-corn cost so long as the RMBOA is acknowledged and keeps control of the SOP content.
Ramble 2011: Rob said he has put out feelers with re-gard to hiring a houseboat as a mobile toilet block. We propose $3000 for three weeks for a bare basic boat (no linen etc). There was some discussion of the route and whether we can go
ATTENDEES : Michael H, Rob P, Sue H, P, Mark L, Alexa L, Alex S and Tim Potter
APOLOGIES : Chris Veen-stra
Rob Potter took the chair and welcomed committee members
MA TTERS AR IS IN G FROM THE MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEET-ING (30th March 2010)
Minutes of the previous meet ing were accepted.
FINANCIAL REPORT: There is $17382.16 in total funds
FURTHER BUS INESS
EPA and Greywater: Mi-chael, Peter Allen and Rob Potter attended a meeting on17/5/2010 with the EPA.
The outcome was very fa-vourable to the vast major-ity of members as most
through Lock 1. Mark and Alexa reported that boats now going through lock 1. Rob spoke with Ron Green-ing who is confident levels should be OK for next year’s event.
Revised houseboat mooring strategy: Our revised moor-ing section from the hand-book sent to Lissa Fountaine.
Constitution: A meeting to discuss the review to be held.
Adelaide Boat Show: To be held July 15th – 18th, there was a view that given grey water issues perhaps we should attend. Rob said he believed cost would be about $250, which seems low, Rob will investigate “Hidden Costs”.
Members Meeting : to be held 10th June at The Tower Hotel. EPA presentation.
Next Committee Meeting : Wednesday 23rd June.
P age 9
For Sale / Advertisements / Items Of Interest
New Members
The RMBOA welcomes
the following new mem-
bers since the last edition
of The Rambler:
Darryl & Yvonne King of
the vessel Lavinia Jane.
Bruce & Roslynn Hogben
of the vessel Dora Basset t .
Max Bromson, vessel name
unspecified.
Mark Pedler & Linda Willis
of the vessel Delta Blues.
Graham & Fay Rivers of the
vessel Jedda.
Geoff & Tania Carson, ves-
sel name unspecified
Private advert isements of one column or less are free to personal and family members, subject to available space. Other ads by negotiat ion.
Please Note: - The RMBOA is not in a posit ion to determine whether items are accurately described or whether they represent value for money. While it
is Seller’s duty to be honest about what they are selling (Caveat Venditor—Let The Seller Beware), it is also the buyer’s responsibility to determine if the
goods are f it for purpose and represent good value (Caveat Emptor—Let The Buyer Beware).
V ol ume 2 8 , I ss ue 3 The Ra mbler
Articles Wanted
Large and small articles
are wanted for The Ram-
bler. They can be about
any boating related topic
from tips and tricks, a
description of work you
are doing on your vessel,
or a voyage you have
undertaken.
The Rambler is for the
members of the Associa-
tion and it can only con-
tinue if members make
the effort to support it.
To support your maga-
zine, simply email your
contribution to the
Webmaster and it will be
published.
webmaster@rmboa.org.au
Pobblebonk
“Pobblebonk” is a 40ft pur-
pose built (shoal draft) Steel
River Cruiser, launched in
January 2002.
It is a very comfortable and
roomy boat that has been set
up as “home away from
home”. There is a very large
upper deck area. It has a very
attractive, modern galley at
the stern of the boat.
The galley comes complete
with all facilities. The dining
area has a solid beech 4 per-
son dining setting and opens
out to the back deck, through
a full sized sliding door (with
flyscreen). Gas BBQ on swim
deck.
The bedroom has a very
comfortable island bed. Car-
peted to improve insulation.
The bathroom has a full size
shower, and vanity unit.
Too much to describe.
CONTACT Roger Baker -
phone: 8569 1438 / 0418 82
5555
Boat moored at MANNUM
SLIPWAY & MOORINGS.
Asking price: $148,000 ono
Barnaby”, 30ft steel hull river cruiser with 2’6” draft, cu r-rently moored at Pelican Point.
Powered by a very reliable 4 cylinder 55hp fordson diesel with 700 hrs on the clock. Motor and cooling system has had all necessary recent maintenance including injec-tors. 220 litre fuel tanks.
V Berth, table folds down for another double. Stand up shower, full size toilet with macerator and holding tank.
Galley, sink, gas stove/oven, two way fridge, pressure pump. 80w Solar Panel along with the motor charges a recently purchased very large battery. Gas and bilge alarms.
Satellite TV receiver, TV and entertainment unit, anchor ropes etc.
The boat will be sold on a walk in walk out basis that the purchaser can just hop aboard and go for a cruise. The only exclusions will be personal items.
Inspections welcome 0417
770543 or
tralee@internode.on.net
Asking Price: $32,000.
Labour Day Holiday
Monday, 4th October 2010
Public Holidays
Barnaby
Websites Relevant to Greywater Issues: EPA South Australia:
http://www.epa.sa.gov.au/
EPA presentation, RMBOA SOP, Updated Blackwater
Calculator & Record Sheets:
http:// www.rmboa.org.au/members/
Lanfax Clearning Products Analysis:
http://www.lanfaxlabs.com.au/
Members-Only Area of RMBOA Website
http://www.rmboa.org.au/members/
Username: member
Password: AqBxG2N (Valid from 1st July 2010)
This username and password is used by all members.
From The Treasurer
Current Total Balance:
$18,506.56
The River Murray Boat Owners Association (RMBOA) is a gr oup who enjoy the
Murray for its beauty, wildlife, vegetation, recreational qualities and priceless value to our country.
Its aims and objectives are to:
Assist in protecting the River Murray and its environs fr om all forms of damage, pollution and
destruction by the education and self-discipline of all who use it.
Communicate with members and boat owners; to keep them informed of relevant develop-
ments and to liaise with governments and instrumentalities having any form of control over the
river and its envir onment.
Arrange, manage and co-ordinate functions of recreation, education and conservation surround-
ing the river, to benefit members and other users of the river.
PO Box 3202
Melbourne St
North Adelaide 5006
Phone: (08) 8269 1530
Email:
secretary@rmboa.org.au
Website:
www.rmboa.org.au
Upcoming RMBOA Events (Some Items Altered)
Members Meeting—5th August 2010 (New Item)
This meeting at the Tower Hotel Magill will consider the follow up of the EPA meeting. Copies of the RMBOA’ s Greywater Stan-
dard Operating Procedures will be provid ed for discussion. The adoption by members of these procedures is entirely optional and
will need to be tailored for each vessel and how to tailor will be discussed. Also on the agenda will be a discussion about the 2011
RMBOA River Ramble.
Mini-Amble—5th & 6th September 2010 (Date Changed)
The Mini-Amble will be held on the grassy area in front of the upstream caravan park—public toilets and shop nearby. Depending
on the weather and interest, a tinny run will be held in the lagoon on Sunday morning. The lagoon runs from the bridge to Julia Is-
land/Reedy Island near Roonka. Depending on interest, we can book space at the Blanchetown pub for Saturday lunch. The hotel is
approximately 1.6 km from the mooring site. If you are happy with a d efined time to go and come back, a lift can be provid ed, other-
wise it is a pleasant walk (although steps are involved to get on and off the bridge).
Annual General Meeting (AGM)—7th November 2010
Details to be finalised, but will also be a Mini-Amble. There will be Committee vacancies. As 2011 is a Ramble year, it is imperative
that the vacancies are filled.
XMAS Party—5th December 2010
Details to be finalised, but is traditionally a Mini-Amble at the Mary Ann Reserve, River Lane, Mannum.
Members Meeting—24th February 2011
Details to be finalised, but this will include a pre-Ramble gathering of the fleet..
2011 RMBOA River Ramble– 27th April to 7th May 2011 (end date may change slightly)
The Ramble will commence on the Wednesday after the five day Easter Long weekend (includes the ANZAC Day holiday). The
Ramble will be run with an above Lock 1 leg and a below Lock 1 leg.